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The United States Government is telling States to concentrate less on Math and Reading!

A report by US News and World Report, states that:

The new federal education law allows states to push the reset button on curriculum offerings, John King says.

The report goes on to say that:

“After years of schools narrowing their curricula to target math and reading during the test-happy No Child Left Behind era, Education Secretary John King is urging states to use their flexibility under the new federal education law to expand and focus more on science, social studies, arts and world languages.

In a series of speeches planned for this week, King will say that the new law gives schools, districts and states a chance to reset after years of focusing heavily on math and reading.”

How many of you think that your child may be a math genius? Is there really any such a thing as a child math genius?

Of course there is! 🙂

Here is a video I want to share with you that shows a group of children who have been classified as math geniuses.

Unbelievable Footage of 6 Year Old Math Geniuses
You won´t believe what these 1st and 2nd graders can do without a calculator! Learn more about Mike and the Brainetics system: http://www.brainetics.com http…

Pretty good, right!

If your child isn’t a math genius, or maybe is struggling with trying to learn math, we can help!

Learning math and then algebra can be a difficult progression for many students in today’s public educational process. It should be a natural progression if done properly. I whole-heartedly agree with this article I found by Mr. VanNoy, where he gives a good explanation of how he believes children should be taught algebra. Check it out and see if it makes sense to you?

Embedding Algebra For Young Learners

My students have told me often that in the upper elementary school years, 4th or 5th grade, they started to learn Algebra. Usually, this memory evokes shudders of pain. Some explain that they never really “got the hang of Algebra”, and that it looks like “just a bunch of letters, numbers, and mixed-up rules” jumbled together. This has been a common discussion over the years with students who somehow got moved on from the comfortable levels of Arithmetic into the strange world of Algebra before they were really ready for it. How young is too young for us to teach our students algebraic concepts?

The answer — kids are never too young to learn algebra; they just need to be introduced to it in the right way, when they are ready. So, if it looks like algebra is next in your child’s curriculum list, what do you do?
This question is actually part of the problem . . . Algebra should not be handled as a separate unit at a certain time. It is actually best taught as an embedded idea as soon as children know how to count and can use elementary mathematical symbols. In short, if they can count, add and subtract, then they are ready.

Algebra quite simply is the study of arithmetic structure. . . So, how does the teacher introduce algebra concepts to the young student? Even at the youngest ages, our children can be ready for the following lesson sequence:

Build on the arithmetic strategies the student knows already. Introduce algebra ideas in a natural, comfortable way, linking from the natural, mathematical ideas of counting and basic numeric operations. Discuss money exchanges, adding and subtracting objects from piles and groups.
Examples:
“If I have $16 in my pocket and pay Shari, and I am left with $9, how much did I pay her?”
“Jeff has three pieces of gum in one pocket and five in the other. How many altogether? If he has three in one pocket but eleven total, how many in this pocket . . .”
“Jeff has three pieces in this pile, as you can see, but 12 in total. How many are in the pile I am covering?”

Make it interactive and fun. You want your student to be engaged and participate in the situations you present orally. Use “mystery numbers” and unknown numbers of pieces as the stand-ins for variables. Use funny sounds to represent the variables in a different order to create aural representations of equations. Let your kids make up their own examples and create funny sounds. Make it a hands-on experience whenever possible.
Examples:
“I am a number. When I add 6 more, I have 13. What number am I?”
“15 plus (oooomff) makes 28. How much is (oooomff)”
“(arrrrrrgh) groups of 8 makes 32. How many groups is (arrrrrrgh)?”

Introduce rules and properties in the student’s own language, and then move into the proper math vocabulary of “rules of equality”, “equal operations”, and “distributive property”.
Use the concepts of fairness and balance. You want the concepts to be learned before students are required to label the procedures formally.

To start talking about the concept of variables and equations, the learning sequence is extremely important here. If the developmental stages are skipped, students will try to memorize procedures and the understanding is lost. Orally introduce situations where there is an unknown quantity or mystery number, then represent the variable a funny sound or gesture, then move on to written symbols. Avoid using letter variables until your students are ready. In summary, algebra is the study of the arithmetic structures of our world, and is a toolbox we use to solve problems. The abstract nature of variables and equations and properties can only be understood after a proper developmental sequence of hands-on and oral examples, moving into the symbolic realm, and then progressing into pencil and paper exercises. Make it fun and interactive; allow your students to create their own examples and tap into their own curiosity. Embed these ideas into their basic curriculum lessons, not as a separate unit. Students of algebra need to be able to see how variables and equations are used to do any type of problem solving, and are tools to unlock mysteries in the world of numbers and patterns.

Terry VanNoy’s class sessions, Math with Mr. V are by appointment only . . . Call toll free 1-877-317-3317 to arrange a free consultation! Help your child feel more successful in his or her math classroom.

I like Mr VanNoy’s approach to teaching math and algebra. Too often the students are thrown into algebra without taking the time to know that they have a good general understanding of the concepts behind algebra. I hope this helps you when looking for a tutor to help your child learn algebra and math.

Visit our Mathnasium site if you are in the Cherry Hill NJ area and are looking for some math help for your child.

Quite often students get frustrated and have a hard time when dealing with math in school. It will usually get worse if they aren’t given some special attention and help. I thought I’d share this article from “GoArticles.com” with you that puts into words, exactly how frustrating it can be for a student trying to learn math.

Having Difficulties in Math? Tutors May Be the Answer!

Learning difficulties in Math cuts across border, nationality, age and gender. Everywhere we hear students lament on how they are unable to catch up with their Math lessons, and how they are ultimately doomed to get a fail mark on the subject. Sometimes in frustration, students develop intense hatred or a phobia of Math.

Math is indeed a challenging subject that requires concentration, practice and dedication from students. Route memorization does not count; students need to understand the numerous formulas and apply it in daily life. Albert Einstein, the renowned science genius, even tried to comfort us in our Math reverie when he said that we should not worry about our difficulties in Mathematics, for his are much greater.

Difficulties in Math stem from the fact that compared to other academic subjects Math builds on itself year after year. This means that from simple calculations, lessons progress to more rigorous and demanding math problems. Thus from fractions, students must learn trigonometry, calculus and statistics in a few years time. This means those students who begin struggling with Math this semester or year, will struggle even more for the semesters and years to come. Learning difficulties in Math pile up as the lessons progress.

With this in mind, it is important that we address any difficulties in Math as soon as they emerge. Supplementary classes and math tutorials are beneficial to support students struggling in the subject. Math tutors, with their extensive experience and exposure to the techniques necessary in developing a child’s competence in numbers, are perfect mentors to students. C2 Math Tutors, in particular, help students in every step on their way towards numerical competency. C2 Math tutors provide students with conceptual understanding necessary for future math courses. Not only will students become more enthusiastic in doing their homework but also acquire good work habits for long-term success.

C2 math tutors benefit not only students who are struggling with Math but also those who need the added guidance and support to further careers in science and engineering. Math tutors provide a preview of the various upcoming courses that would give students a head start in college. A C2 math preview course provides students introduction to the fundamental concepts for upcoming math classes, build their confidence to tackle complex math problems and help students get ahead of their peers.

Math tutors at C2 Educate are qualified to teach the various levels of math, including algebra and advanced calculus. The other areas the C2 Math tutors offer help are: Algebra I and II, Geometry, Trigonometry and Pre-Calculus, Advanced Calculus and Statistics.

Of course we here at Mathnasium of Cherry Hill also offer an excellent tutoring and hands-on approach to helping your child learn math. We’ve had many success stories when it comes to having children learn math. Why not give us a call and setup an appointment today? Just call: (856) 874-005

Some parents don’t expect much from their child when it comes to math. But if you were to send your child to Mathnasium, you might just exhibit this kind of reaction when they show you their report card!

Note that the video is from the UK and they call it “maths” in that country!

Summer time is a time of care-free fun for children. A time when there are no tests, no homework and no school thoughts at all! However, it shouldn’t be a time for your child to lose 3 months of math development! So to make the math retention a little more palatable for your young one, I did a little research and found some games that you might consider purchasing and helping your child retain some of that valuable information that they learned in math class throughout the previous school year.

Some of these are great for the portable hand-held games that children like so much. And the nice thing is that you can get used games for a very reasonable price.

So check these out and see if there is something that your child would like.

Improve your grades with Learn Math – A+ Edition as your personal coach! Practice with exercises ranging from 5 to 20 rounds each as well as a variety of mini-games all focused on grades 1 through 4, featuring 5 categories that contain a total of 15 mini-games.

•Practice math facts with the portability and easy-to-use touchscreen of NDS
•Stay interested with fast action and the Blaster narrative
•Experience the challenge of mastering 20 levels and three difficulty modes
•Play alone or go head-to-head with up to three friends
•Learn to perform math functions faster and with improved accuracy

The math game that is both fun and rewarding! Designed for children aged 6-12, Junior Brain Trainer Math Edition helps kids improve their math skills while challenging them with exciting games and puzzles. Make learning fun again with the game that keeps kids on their toes and eager to achieve higher goals!

Numbers and calculations can be fun! Take your lessons “to go” on your Nintendo DS with Learn Math. Progress through 10 different topics to learn, practice, and repeat lessons based on a syllabus for grades 1-4. Become a math wizard in no time!

Please note: The administrator of this website, is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking learn math blog to Amazon properties including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com.

Quite often, when you mention the word “math”, you’ll get response like “ugh”, “I hate math”, “I’ve never been good at math” and many other negative responses!

It doesn’t have to be that way for most people though. In fact, learning math can be a fun process! (You know Mathnasium’s motto is “we make learning math fun” right?) You may be skeptical about that, so here’s an article where someone else believes that learning math can be a fun process!

Learning Basic Math Facts Can Be Fun … Really

I know what you are thinking, there’s no way learning basic math facts can be fun. It’s a matter of memorization mostly, but still, it doesn’t have to be boring for you or your child. Utilizing some memory games and incorporating props can be very helpful for children who are initially learning math. Try some of these ideas yourself and you might just be surprised.

Flash cards are a tried and true technique, but how can you make them more fun? Stickers are a great way to show progress. If your child can provide the answer to a given flash card within three seconds, they get to put a sticker on the card. It’s surprising how motivating this is for a child who is struggling with their basic math facts.

Playing games online is another fun way to sharpen one’s skills. There are thousands of sites dedicated to math and many of them are free. Simply find a few that your child likes and rotate through them so your child doesn’t get bored or the site doesn’t become too easy. Some even have timed sections to help your child get faster at answering questions.

Another great option is to play a math memory game. Write the questions and answers on separate index cards and turn them over. You and your child will flip over different cards until you find the match. Your child will enjoy the game and the attention you are giving them and they will learn in the process.

Modifying games is simple and affordable for all parents. All it requires is a little time on your part. Create a shoe box full of homemade math games that your child can pick from on a daily basis. Spend at least 15 minutes a day practicing through these fun techniques and your child will be more confident in math in addition to being able to pass those timed tests.

Jocelyn Lewiston is a teacher and writer on various educational topics including learning basic math facts and fun ways to practice spelling words. She is dedicated to making education fun and interesting for all children.

So as you can see, there are others who believe that it can be a fun process to learn math, you just have to think outside the “normal” boundaries.